Souvenirs for a Mémoire

09 August 2019

Several weeks ago I turned 70. I am no longer the person shown in this photograph though I wish I could say much has changed; I've gained 30 pounds and I am no longer the "jaunty" man seen here in a moment of arrogance and "smart-assedness". I've grown old as we all must if we live to a certain age and through an uncertain world.

I look at this man and wonder if I would like him now. My younger self could be volatile in argument but otherwise funny. My younger self knew everybody and told you so (I guess I still do); he drank too much; laughed loudly; picked up strangers he flirted with; worked long hours; read books like a fiend; ate gluttonously (hence the 30 pounds); and was loyal to his loyal friends. All of this I continue today (with the exception, I hasten to add, of picking up strangers) and I no longer work which makes me wonder if anyone can stand me for long. Lucky for me my husband seems to tolerate me for long periods.—Ph/H

03 June 2017

This is the kind of notebook I've kept since I was 11 or 12. I have hundreds of them; I carry one of these everywhere I go. They are filled with my reading notes from books and articles as well as various lists and ideas and even conversations I over hear while I'm out and about. The notes aren't organized I just date the entries—which means I often find myself flipping through the pages reviewing what's in the book (I find it very comforting).Sometimes I can't read my own writing. Here is a page of notes I made for an essay I was writing on photography.